The Sequential Trigon-6 represents Dave Smith's final synthesizer design, serving as a fitting tribute to the legendary engineer who helped shape the synthesizer world and co-created MIDI. This polyphonic analog synthesizer embodies Sequential's "polyphonic take on the classic, thick and creamy analogue sound that defined the dawn of the synth era."

Built around an unusual three-oscillator-per-voice architecture (uncommon among polysynths which typically use two), the Trigon-6 delivers a rich, warm analog sound that spans from gentle orchestral accompaniments to powerful leads and basses. The instrument features a Moog-inspired ladder filter per voice and utilizes Sequential's proven voice card design, with six individual voice cards mounted on a common motherboard.

The synthesizer excels at creating sounds reminiscent of classic 1970s and 1980s synthesizers while remaining relevant for contemporary music production. Its sonic character sits comfortably in "Prophet-y territories" - sweet and mixable, yet capable of aggressive and even violent textures when pushed. The instrument performs equally well as a polysynth or monosynth, with comprehensive unison modes and flexible key assignment options.

Despite its compact 4-octave keyboard, the Trigon-6 packs sophisticated features including a 64-step polyphonic sequencer, comprehensive arpeggiator, dual digital effects processors, and Sequential's powerful Polymod modulation system. The build quality is excellent, featuring an attractive maple case, though the instrument retains the vintage-inspired three-character LED display rather than a modern screen.

Technical Specifications

Architecture & Polyphony

• Voices: 6-voice polyphonic
• Timbrality: Monotimbral
• Voice Architecture: Analog, based on individual voice cards
• Oscillators per Voice: 3

Oscillators

• Oscillator 1:

  • Waveforms: Sawtooth, Pulse, Triangle
  • Octave Range: 5 octave settings
  • Hard sync: Can sync Oscillator 2

• Oscillator 2:

  • Waveforms: Sawtooth, Pulse, Triangle
  • Octave Range: 5 octave settings
  • Detune: ±7 semitones
  • Sync: Can be synced to Oscillator 1

• Oscillator 3:

  • Waveforms: Pulse, Triangle, Ramp (mutually exclusive with saw)
  • Octave Range: 5 octave settings
  • Detune: ±7 semitones
  • LFO Mode: Available
  • Keyboard Disconnect: Can be disconnected from keyboard CV and MIDI

• Noise Generator: Separate white noise generator

Filter

• Type: Moog-inspired resonant ladder filter
• Slope: 12dB/oct and 24dB/oct modes
• Resonance: Variable, will self-oscillate at maximum
• Keyboard Tracking: 50% or 100%
• Response: Quasi-band-pass at high resonance values

Drive/Feedback

• FDBK <> DRIVE Control:
  • Clockwise: Increases oscillator output to overdrive filter input
  • Counter-clockwise: Routes voice output back to filter input (polyphonic feedback)

Amplifier

• Type: Analog VCA per voice

Effects

• Analog Distortion: Built-in analog distortion unit
• Digital Processing: Two 24-bit/48kHz effects units
• Effect A:
  • 2 sync'able delays
  • 1 chorus
  • 3 phasers (including Oberheim phaser emulation)
  • Oberheim ring modulator emulation
  • 2 flangers
• Effect B: 4 reverb emulations (plus Effect A algorithms)
• Parameters: 2 parameters per effect algorithm
• Bypass: Complete analog bypass available

Envelopes

• Type: ADSR (Attack, Decay, Sustain, Release)
• Quantity: 2 dedicated contour generators
  • Filter contour generator
  • Amplifier contour generator

LFO

• Global LFO:
  • Waveforms: 6 waveforms available
  • Destinations: 8 destinations
  • Sync: Master clock or MIDI sync
  • Key Sync: Available

Modulation

• Polymod Section: Based on Prophet 5 design
• Destinations: 7 modulation destinations
• Limitations: Cannot perfectly tune Osc 3 to Osc 1 or 2 for consistent 2-op FM

Keyboard & Controllers

• Keyboard: 49-note (4-octave)
• Velocity Sensitivity: Yes
  • Destinations: Filter and amplifier contour amounts
  • Curves: 8 velocity curves
• Aftertouch: Channel aftertouch
  • Destinations: 8 simultaneous destinations
  • Curves: 4 aftertouch curves

Sequencer & Arpeggiator

• Sequencer:
  • Steps: 64 steps maximum
  • Polyphony: Up to 6-note polyphonic per step
  • Features: Rests and ties supported
  • Storage: Part of patch memory
• Arpeggiator: Full-featured with clock sync
• Clock: Master clock generation or MIDI sync

Performance Features

• Unison Mode: Powerful unison with multiple voice allocation
• Key Assignment: Low, high, or last note priority
• Triggering: Single or multi-triggering options
• Glide: Polyphonic or legato modes (fixed rate or fixed time)
• Chord Memory: Available
• Panel Mode: Live Panel mode for real-time control

Tuning & Calibration

• Alternative Tunings: 63 memory locations
• Auto-Tuning: Built-in calibration routine
• Vintage Mode: Applies offsets to oscillators, filters, and envelopes

Audio I/O

• Main Outputs: 1/4" unbalanced stereo outputs
• Headphone Output: 1/4" (rear panel)
• Modes: Mono and stereo operation
• Pan Spread: Stereo soundstage creation for multiple notes

MIDI & Connectivity

• MIDI: Full 5-pin DIN implementation (In, Out, Thru)
• USB: MIDI over USB (class compliant, no drivers required)
• MIDI Features:
  • Parameter changes transmitted as CCs and NRPNs
  • Poly-chaining support for multiple units (up to 12 voices)

Pedal Inputs:

• Sustain pedal
• Volume pedal
• Filter cutoff pedal
• Multi-function pedal (sequencer/arpeggiator start/gate, audio trigger for envelopes and step advance)

Memory

• Patch Memory: 1000 locations total
  • Locations 000-499: User patches (overwritable)
  • Locations 500-999: Factory patches (protected)
• Patch Features: Individual patch volume control

Display:

• 3-character LED display

Poly-Chaining

• Multiple Unit Support: Link two Trigon-6 units via MIDI
• Extended Polyphony: Up to 12 voices when chaining two units
• Configuration: Keyboard unit as master, module as slave (typical setup)

Physical Specifications

• Dimensions: 807 x 323 x 117mm
• Weight: 9.5kg
• Case Material: Maple wood case construction
• Power: Internal universal power supply with IEC mains input